Ecuador: Island-hop in the Galapagos by ship, Zodiac and kayak

The Galapagos Islands never go out of season. That’s the pitch from Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic, which has created “prime-season” rates available now through March on selected 10-day tours of Ecuador’s famed islands, which are temperate year-round.

The drawing card here is the unparalleled opportunity to see wildlife up close. You can snorkel with sea turtles, photograph blue-footed boobies on the beach and hike to highland forest trails during this tour of the islands made famous by Darwin’s voyage on the Beagle.

For added savings, reservations on selected trips reserved by March 31 will receive free round-trip airfare from Miami or New York to Guayaquil, Ecuador, and a hop to the islands. (This might work for Angelenos who decide to spend some air miles getting to those gateway cities.)

Dates: Tours leave year-round, but make sure to inquire about dates that correspond with free airfare/discounted prices.

Price: Starting at $4,750 per person on the National Geographic Endeavour (96 passengers) and $5,450 per person on the National Geographic Islander (48 passengers); both prices are based on double occupancy. It includes all meals and excursions (by Zodiac and kayak), access to spa, lectures and presentations by naturalists on staff.

Contact: Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic, (800) 425-2724